Verizon Logo Search the blog       Go  Go  
VZBlog
Blog Home
Broadband
Wireless
Video
Voice-VoIP
Web 2.0
Policy
Net Regulation
Gaming
Eric Why Verizon Doesn't Offer MSG in HD
Posted by Eric Rabe in PolicyBlog on July 25, 2008, 09:40 AM EST
Add to: Del.icio.us |  Digg |  Reddit

It’s clear from the comments at PolicyBlog and in other forums that consumer demand for high-definition programming is skyrocketing.  Verizon is responding by adding new HD channels across the FiOS TV footprint, with the goal of offering all available major HD programming by the end of this year.

 

But sometimes cable companies play hardball with HD programming they control.  Take the MSG regional sports network in New York City and the MSG-Buffalo channel that we want to be able to offer to future customers in that market.

 

Standing in the way is Cablevision, which owns MSG and is preventing competitors like Verizon getting MSG – a channel that is subject to the Cable Act’s program access rules – in HD format.  Under those rules, Cablevision is required to make that programming available to Verizon.  In 2006, after we filed a program access complaint with the FCC, Cablevision agreed to provide the standard definition version of the MSG regional sports network in New York City.  But so far Cablevision is refusing to provide the HD feed for the same programming.

 

So we’re back at the Federal Communications Commission, which is considering various issues concerning access to video programming. 

 

It’s pretty obvious that Cablevision is trying to circumvent the FCC’s program access rules by denying Verizon MSG in HD – claiming that just because Cablevision elects to route the HD format over fiber, it is somehow not the same “programming” as the standard definition format delivered using satellites.  And as if Cablevision’s motives in evading the program access were not clear enough, after denying us the HD MSG programming, Cablevision advertises that it is the only carrier to provide it in HD.

 

Verizon is asking the FCC to condemn these practices and to clarify that, if programming is subject to the FCC’s rules as Cablevision’s MSG channels are, then competitive providers are entitled to that programming in all available formats.  In other words, the cable incumbents should not be permitted to circumvent the rules and deny competitors and consumers the benefits of HD.





81 Comments
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated, and will not appear on this website until a moderator has approved them. The name you enter here will appear next to your comment. You must enter a valid email address to submit a comment.
Name *
E-mail *
Website
Comments *
Please add 5 and 3 and type the answer here:
Guidelines for posting comment on policyblog.
By submitting my comments, I agree to allow Verizon to use my name and comments in whole or in part on the policyblog site without further permission or compensation. I understand that all comments I submit become the property of Verizon and that I release all rights and claims to the content I submit or post to policyblog. The comments I submit are my own original creation and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Verizon or its employees. I understand that I am responsible for the statements made and views taken in my posts and I acknowledge that my comments will be subject to review by Verizon and may or may not be published.
Subscribe to PolicyBlog

Add to my MSN
Add to my Yahoo
Add to Google
Add to Technorati
Add to Bloglines
Recent Posts

Thinkfinity’s Support for Kids’ Summer Learning
Privacy Policy Made More Customer Friendly
Home Buyers Want Fiber Connections
MiFi’s Wireless "Tethering" Invites All to VZ's 3G
Ivan Seidenberg’s Vision and Views
Verizon FiOS, Adding Six More HD Channels
PolicyBlog Bloggers

Go Read More
Calendar

July, 2009
SMTWTFS
1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031
Important Links

About PolicyBlog
Comment Policy
Disclaimer / Terms Of Use